Tag Archives: perfection

Its got to be PERFECT ……. a message from Richard Cooper

How do you run your business. Is it PERFECT? Many of us start a business with a vision of giving the customer better service, better value for money and the perfect client experience.

One challenge I have always faced is that no one is quite as passionate about my business and service as I am. I’m not saying that my team aren’t amazing and efficient, but what I mean is that, I am a perfectionist. I want to get it right every time. After all I am the business owner and the buck stops with me. It has to therefore be perfect? Right?

Something I am learning more and more as time goes on is that perfection doesn’t really exist. That may sound a bold statement however, how many of us have actually reached “perfection”? What is perfection? And more importantly how do will instill this into our staff/colleagues and teams? The answer is – “realistically”

SO: Face facts: Your team/staff/clients/suppliers/contractors will NEVER feel as passionate about your business and therefore their levels of service won’t be to the same level as yours. This DOESN’T mean excusing poor performance, attitude or behaviour. Take a look at your clients. Are they happy with the level of service that your team provide overall. Are they treated professionally and are they valued? If the answer is yes then work on developing your team, but not necessarily at trying to make them replicas of you.

Put processes in place: If you couldn’t be in your business for 6 weeks – are there enough processes in place to get by without you in an emergency? If the answer is no, then it’s time to start. You never know what is around the corner. If something meant you couldn’t be there for your clients, will someone else be there? Again it’s not about a replica of YOU, its about meeting and exceeding your clients expectations.

I always felt that if I wasn’t involved in my business then it would crumble without me and all of my clients would leave. I am learning that my clients want me to have a successful business and provide an effective service. Having my skills and expertise at the healm is just an added bonus.

You don’t have to be perfect to win in business, you just have to be professional, consistent and have a great team around you. Listen to your customers, ask them how they see your business. Even if you think something could be ten times better, it may be just “perfect” for them. Spend your time concentrating on being the owner and steering your company forward.